AI-generated videos of Lord Jagannath spark police complaint in Odisha
AI-generated videos depicting Lord Jagannath in objectionable ways went viral on social media platforms in Odisha, causing outrage among devotees who found the synthetic content disrespectful to religious traditions. Police registered a formal investigation into the incident and sought action against the creator and those spreading the fabricated content.
What happened
AI-generated videos and images of Lord Jagannath were created and shared on social media platforms including Instagram, depicting the deity in objectionable and inappropriate ways that bore no resemblance to actual temple rituals.
The videos allegedly showed milk being poured over the deity in front of the Puri Srimandir using a crane. An Instagram account named 'vishvrajcreation' uploaded the video, which went viral across social media.
Reported impact
The content triggered widespread outrage and deep anguish among devotees in Odisha, who called it misleading and disrespectful to centuries-old traditions. Devotees stated the videos 'hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees.'
Social media users raised concerns over the viral nature of such content and called for stricter monitoring of fake and provocative posts online.
Index analysis
The videos were entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence and depicted religious practices that do not occur at the temple. Police noted concerns about the misuse of social media to target religious icons and stated that the content was created and disseminated with an unknown intent.
Governance controls
Puri Cyber Police Station registered an FIR over the viral AI-generated video. Puri SP Prateek Singh stated that strict action would be taken against anyone spreading misinformation or propaganda about Lord Jagannath on social media.
Police sought details from the platform hosting the video and probed the intent behind its creation and dissemination. The FIR was lodged by the temple's special security officer.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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